2023 Labegorce (Margaux)

Subdued on the first nose, again showing that parts of Margaux need a little bit of coaxing in this vintage to open up at this early stage. When it does, you find sculpted and deliciously spicy fruit, rose petals, cocoa bean and cassis, with tannic grip that slowly builds though the palate. 32hl/h yield, 62.5ha in production, 25% new oak barrels for ageing, with the rest one year old. Marjolaine de Coninck technical director, Nathalie Perrodo owner. 92 points

The 2023 Labégorce is a bold, authoritative wine. Black cherry, plum, chocolate, licorice, mocha and leather infuse the 2023 with tons of character. An exuberant, flashy Margaux, Labegorce has plenty to offer in 2023. 90-92 points

The 2023 Labégorce has a well-defined nose that leans slightly more toward red than black fruit. It`s understated at first but soon coheres and gains intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with very pliant tannins. Satin-like in texture and very cohesive, with a touch of spice on the finish, this is a classy Margaux that will give a great deal of pleasure over the next 15 to 20 years. Warning through: it will be difficult to resist in its youth. 92-94 points